Description

A combination of tube gear that I've put together over the past few years, that works extremely well together.

The workout room is approximately 55' X 20' X 8' ceiling.
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Components Toggle details

    • Allnic T-1500 300B Integrated
    Allnic T-1500 300B Integrated Imported form South Korea. T-1500 300B SE integrated amplifier ◈ PRINCIPAL FEATURES ⊙ High power output 12.5w + 12.5w 300B SE stereo integrated amplifier. Almost other 300B amplifiers are underdriven or distorted- driven by conventional
    • Montana Loudspeakers, a Division of PBN Audio, LLC EPX
    The EPX is a break-through concept in high-performance loudspeakers. Standing only 44
    • Audio Research Reference CD 7 CD Player
    Used as transport now.
    OUTPUTS, ANALOG: (Stereo) Balanced XLR 5.4V RMS (+14.6dBv) max. Single-Ended RCA 2.7V RMS (+8.6dBv) max. OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: (Analog) 660 ohms BAL, 330 ohms SE. FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 0.5-20,000Hz +0 -1dB. SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO: 110dBA DISTORTION: .005% 1kHz RESOLUTION: 24 BIT DELTA-SIGMA DAC. CHANNEL SEPARATION: 95dB 1kHz. OUTPUTS, DIGITAL: (to external Digital-to-Analog Converter) XLR Balanced AES/EBU 110-ohm 4V P-P. BNC coax SPDIF 75-ohm 0.7V P-P. SIGNAL FORMAT: Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz. Quantization Bit: 16bit linear per channel. Channel bit rate: 4.3218Mb/sec. Channel modulation code: EFM (8-14 modulation). Error correction: CIRC (cross interleave Reed Solomon Code). DRIVE MECHANISM (top load): Wow & Flutter: Unmeasurable (Quartz stability). Discs: Accepts 5" (12cm) and 3" (8cm) sizes. OPTICAL PICKUP: (top load): Type: 3-beam LDGU (Laser Diode & Grating Unit), with holographic diffraction light pen. Laser: GaAIAs semiconductor, 780nm, 0.5mW maximum output. Servo: Digitally-controlled low-inertia linear positioning actuator. JITTER REDUCTION: High-stability crystal-controlled re-clocking for all outputs. POWER REQUIREMENTS (detachable power cord): 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz), 120 watts maximum. (5 watts maximum when unit is turned off). COMPLIANCE: RF interference complies with FCC and CE MARK. DIMENSIONS: 19" (48cm) W x 5 1/4" (13.4 cm) H x 15 3/8" (39.0 cm) D. Handles extend 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel. Rear connectors extend 3/4" (1.9 cm) WEIGHT: 32.5 lbs. (14.8 kg) Net; 43 lbs. (19.5 kg) Shipping.
    • Yamamoto Soundcraft YAD01 DAC
    I finally received my Yamamoto YAD01 Dac from Japan. This Dac was recommended to me by two of our Audiogon members; Charles1dad and Grannyring. It’s a very simple solid state Dac with only one RCA digital input, and two RCA outputs. As soon as I attached it, I heard improvement with additional detail, better imaging, more natural sound, better bass slam, and greater PRaT. The Audio Research Reference CD 7 CD Player I use is good, but this YAD01 put it over the top. Down the road I'll replace the caps in the YAD01 with something better such as the Jupiter Copper Foil 1UF 600DC, and replace the fuse.
    • Magnum Dynalab MD-106T FM Tuner
    Tunable five stage ANALOG front end: Five stages of RF filtration, providing station separation without affecting stereo separation. As always, the front end is a custom designed and manufactured in-house design. Magic Tuning Eye: Embedded in faceplate for the most precise and accurate center tuning Multiple Bandwidth Settings: The MD 106T FM Tuner offers both Ultra Wide and Narrow IF Bandwidth settings to produce the best SOUND where adjacent channel interference is, or is not a factor. Dual AGC (automatic gain control) stage: This automatic circuit design eliminates the need for a local and distant switch, altering the amount of relative gain that's added to the incoming signal. Auto Blend RF Circuit: Automatically monitors and adjusts stereo separation to maximize "stereo quieting", insuring the quietest stereo signal as possible. This greatly eliminates background noise. Precision tunable matched IF (intermediate frequency) amplifiers -- ensures consistent specifications for adjacent channel separation, alternate channel separation and low distortion Precision Voltage Stabilizers in the Power Supply: Ensures precise tuning of the incoming RF signal Dual Antenna Inputs: Provides the flexibility to position different antennas in multiple locations to accommodate differing incoming signals. Defeatable Mute: Eliminates any interstation noise while tuning Analog Meters: Functional and easy-to-read multipath and signal strength measurements showcased on the large faceplate. Fully shielded RF section-eliminates any interference from stray signals MD Reference 6922 Vacuum Tubes: Included in the audio amplification stage, our 6922 MD Reference Tubes are designed to our exacting standards and tested individually for specifications. Each tube is fitted with Pearl Coolers, maintaining constant temperatures to ensure maximum performance under a variety of operating conditions. .093 Thick Printed Circuit Board: A solid footing to minimizes any residual vibration in the chassis to allow all components to operate at peak performance. Further, all contact points are generously gold plated to ensure complete signal transfer over the long haul. Balanced Output with Gold Plated Neutrik Connectors: Fully complimentary circuit insures a perfectly balanced signal, and exact dimensions ensure maximum conductivity. Shielded Torroidal Transformer: Coupled with a high grade aluminum chassis, device is completely shielded from stray signals and transient noises. The high grade custom designed transformer reduces the overall noise floor of the tuner. Mundorf Supreme Capacitors: Used in the bypass, creating sound purity consistent with the original signal. WBT Unbalanced (RCA) Output Connectors: Low tolerance connector made of highly ductile "OFC" copper, and 24 carat gold plated ensures a solid contact for interconnects Ultra Linear Capacitors in the Power Supply: Provides a pure source of DC power, and improves the frequency response of the tuner Kimber Hyper-Pure Copper Wiring: High grade internal wiring provides a clean, uncolored path for the signal through the audio stage of the unit. Burr Brown Op Amps with Black Gate Capacitors: Proven performance from industry leading suppliers with zero degradation over the long haul
    • Magnum Dynalab ST-2
    The ST-2 whip-type antenna.
    • High Fidelity Cable CT-1U
    From CDP to Integrated amp, or other amp selections.
    • Granite Audio Model 470 - 99.9999% Pure Silver WBT-0101 Topline RCA connector (RCA)
    From FM Tuner to Integrated Amp or other amps.
    • VH Audio Pulsar Ag Digital Cable (RCA)
    An excellent digital cable, huge bang for the buck return as the VH Audio Digital Cable (RCA) PULSAR Ag WTB NextGen Silver Digital Interconnect. 
    • HiDiamond 8 Speaker Cables
    Used on the bass speaker terminals.
    The Top of the line HiDiamond speaker cable 2.5/M long with spades on the amp end and bananas on the speaker end. Cable with proprietary 4VRC ©, copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance, and resistance. Isolator in XLPE where XLPE and 100 times better than normal Teflon. This lowers the threshold of the escape of spike, cancels the skin effect between individual leads and therefore the width of the musical signal barrier guaranteeing greater linearity and low amplitude of the sine wave of the basis for the benefit of the naturalness of musical signal emission. Terminated with connectors to high-quality Rhodium great plating that allows a better signal transmission without loss and oxidation power void. Technology twisted within the cable to get a balanced sound across the frequency band tonal with a powerful bass extension and precise and this leads to sound science fiction, the incredible dynamic like a hairdryer will send a large amount of air around the hair, giving an impression of dynamics in complete freedom without any compression, a medium-low which helps to give force to the reproduction , snug and warm voices to emphasize the details of recording, precise focus, high transparent never aggressive. Impossible to put it into crisis. Redefines the way you listen to, the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all systems and valves of any solid-state solid value. 12 x 4 mm conductors 4VRC ©. An absolute reference. Technical characteristics:: External jacket mm. 270; Number of Cond. 12; Cond. Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. 55 Pf/m.; Conductor Resistance: 7,98 Ohm/km.
    • Cerious Technologies Grahpene 8' Speaker Cables
    Bananas on all ends. Used on the mid/high speaker terminals.
    • Billy Bags Pro Stand
    Heavy Duty black five shelf rack.
    • Furutech 20 Amp GTX-D (Rhodium) AC Outlets
    Two seperate dedicated outlets. One for the integrated amp and tuner and the second for the CDP.
    • High Fidelity Cable CT-1U Power Cord 1.5/M
    Powers the DAC.
    • Furutech FP-SO32N
    12 gauge power cord Powering the Equi=Tech1800.
    • High Fidelity Cables HF CT-1 Power Cable
    On CDP used as a transport.
    • Furutech FP-SO22N
    14 gauge power cord on the FM Tuner.
    • Core Power Technology Equi=Core 300 Power Cord
    On Integrated Amp.
    • Core Power Technologies Equi=Core 1800
    1800 watt Balanced Line Conditioner, all front end components is plugged into it. I'm currently trying my Integrated amp in the 1800 also.
    • Xentek Extreme Isolation Transformers
    *** Currently not being used ***

    Xentek Extreme Isolation Transformers My major AC power filtration system. Two 5 KVA Isolation Transformers into sub-panel that feeds all the dedicated AC power into all my music and theater systems. The Extreme Isolation transformers have a huge iron core design, noise suppression is -146 and they weigh 129 lbs. each. The isolation transformers actually sit on three 1-1/2" solid brass audio points that are on top of the cinder blocks and the cinder blocks rest on top of three hockey pucks that are on the concrete floor.
    • 300B Tubes Variety Of 300-B's
    Shuguang/Psvana/ Royal Princess/Emission Labs/TAKATSUKI
    • Audiodharma Cable Cooker Anniversary Edition 3.5 CCGR
    Technical Discussion From Website: Although it is not yet fully understood scientifically, the phenomenon of “cable break-in” has been experienced by many audiophiles. Interconnects, speaker cables and even power cords seem to go through a conditioning period when used in an audio/video system, and will sound better after many hours of in-system use. The sonic differences between wiring that is broken-in and wiring that is not are very audible in high quality audio systems. The break-in process is believed to be due primarily to current flowing through the conductors of wiring components. Dielectric stress caused by a voltage difference between the conductors is also believed to be of some benefit. The fact that it takes many hours of in-system use for wiring components to break in is primarily due to the low-level nature of audio/video signals from normal program material. As an example, let us take an interconnect used to connect the output of a preamplifier to the input of a power amplifier. The typical maximum signal level for full power output of the average power amplifier is 2 volts peak. The average signal is much less. The typical input impedance of a power amplifier will be 10k ohms at the (very) low end for consumer gear—47 to 100k ohms is typical for a solid state amplifier, while several hundred kohms is not unusual for a tube power amplifier. Taking the (unrealistic) best-case values from the above examples, the maximum current seen is 2 volts/10k ohms = 200 micro-amperes … and this would not be continuous current, as the voltage value is a peak value, not an rms value. For the sake of demonstration and comparison we will describe a “use value” consisting of the current flowing through the wiring component according to the above equation, multiplied by the total time this current flows. We will refer to this use value as CTV, or “Current-Time-Value”. Playing an interconnect cable in an audio system for one week (168 hours) of continuous use would expose it to the following use value: 168 hours x 0.0002 amperes = CTV of 0.0336 The CABLE COOKER™ was designed to produce signal levels far in excess of those seen in normal audio/video system use. Internally, the device contains a sweeping square wave oscillator that drives a very high-efficiency “H” bridge MOSFET switching circuit. The output signal includes a swept square wave calibrated from 0 DC to over 40KHz (plus harmonics). Output voltage is 12 volts rms. The current through the wiring component is determined by the load at the input connector of the CABLE COOKER™. In the case of interconnect cables, the measured current is 120 milli-amperes. Installing an interconnect on the CABLE COOKER™ for one week results in a CTV of: 168 hours x 0.12 Amperes = CTV of 20.16 This is a value 600 times greater than that obtained under the most ideal of audio system conditions. The “stress” on the dielectric of the interconnect is also much higher than in normal use due to the higher output voltage. It should be readily apparent why results with the CABLE COOKER™ are often quite audible after as little as 24 hours of use. The same powerful signal described above is also produced at the speaker cable output binding posts. The load at the speaker cable inputs, however, is designed to draw a continuous 1.88 amperes of current through the wire. With a potential of 12 volts, this is equivalent to a continuous signal level in excess of 22 watts!! It must again be emphasized that this is a continuous condition (i.e., rms). This extreme continuous-signal level, produced in an audio system in a regular listening environment for any length of time, would force us from the room due to the highly uncomfortable and intensively-loud volume. One can now correlate the impressive signal level produced by the CABLE COOKER™ and the benefits derived by its use with the cabling in our audio/video systems.
    • Square D Surge Protector HEPD80
    After doing some research I decided to purchase the “Square D Surge Protector” My purpose is to protect my entire home. appliances, computers (stereo system) etc. incase of a lighting strike etc. This device wires into your main electrical outlet box ideally at the top into one or two 20 amp circuits. Directions are provided, easy to follow and the job can be completed in 20 minutes or less. This product lists for $160 but can be purchased from Amazon for $86. Incase of a surge including lighting strike the unit would need to be replaced and the two green lights on the unit would not be on. See my main system for additional pictures of the Surge Protector seek; Lak's Music Room 2014.
    • High Fidelity Cables Magnetic Digital Adapters
    High Fidelity Cables' Magnetic Digital Adapters,  Pair of (2) adapters - for digital source and destination. I’m happy to say I received the High Fidelity Cables' Magnetic Digital Adapters, pair of (2) adapters - for digital source and destination.
    These made a great improvement on my digital cable in my second system (which already sounded good). Now I hear more inner details that I was not hearing before.
    • Sonic Frontiers SFT-1 Transport
    Also a very good Transport.
    • High Fidelity Cables MC-0.5 Power Conditioning Plug
    Twelve MC-0.5's plugged into the maim AC outlet.
    • Conrad Johnson Classic SE Preamp
    Vacuum-Tube Line Stage.
    • Conrad Johnson Classic Sixty SE Amp
    Vacuum Tube 60 watt amp.
    • Class D Audio SDS - 470C
    SDS - 470C amp with upgraded power supply "class D" very tube-like with sound and enough power to run any speaker.
    • Core Audio Designs L3 Audio Rack
    Three shelf audio rack, Black Walnut shelves with African Zebra legs preloaded with damping materials. 25-3/8" x 22-3/8" x 29"h. Very solid and built like a tank. Stainless steel spikes and coasters. 135 lbs. Most highly recommended, if you can afford it.
    • High Fidelity Cables Reveal (RCA) Interconnects
    1.5/M from CJ or Class D amp to preamp.
    • Synergistic Research SR Blue or Black Fuses
    Used in the components of this system.
    • Townsend Audio Co. Townshend Super Tweeters
    Used on top of the Montana EPX speakers for greater detail.

Comments 29

Great system, as a radio guy I particularly lust after the Magna Dynalab tuner. Hopefully you have some decent stations in your area!

~Oran (KD8ZGS)

oranfoster

Nice system. I also have an Allnic T1500, a recent purchase. What tubes have you tried with it? Have you compared the TA-300B's against EML 300B XLS?

Thanks,
Scott

scottr

What do you have on top of the Montana EPX?  

It looks like a 'super tweeter'.

robforst1

Hi Nice system. I have also a Yamamoto dac with tube output. Preparing to renovate my whole house and was wondering what you were using for power regulation-filtration.  Is what you are using able to lower the noise floor of a tube amplifier: have a 2a3, 45 and 300b tube amp. 
Thanks 
STEPHANE 

stef4

Owner
Grannyring; Colnago CT1 is a nice bike. It's a titanium frame isn't it?
What, pray tell, did you do to your back?

Charles; Thanks!

lak

Colnago CT1 - but not since I hurt my back :)

grannyring

Hi Lak,
I applaud your wise decision to keep the Yamamoto, hang on to this gem😄
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
Grannyring:
OMG!
Sorry to hear about the Dac project.
You did a superb job on the Yamamoto!
I don't think it will leave my system, but you would be the first person I'd contact if that would be the case.
So what type of bikes are you riding?

lak

Lak, one of my dac opportunities has dried up. I am still modding one I have here, but I miss the Yammi! If you ever want to sell......think of me first:)

grannyring

Owner
Bill,
Keep us posted on your DAC projects ;-), I admire people that have developed the ability to complete that type of work.

lak

Bill,
I'm somewhat surprised you sold your Yamamoto given how much you
enjoyed it. Any way good luck with your next DAC project, keep us posted
on your progress. Bill Im curious about your thoughts on the DHT DAC once
you acquire it. We both admire DHT components when implemented well.
At one time I had interest in the Lampizator Big 7 DHT DAC. No doubt it's
very good( heard at a show) but I just decided the Yamamoto sound quality
keeps me happy, so why change?

charles1dad

Bill,
I'm somewhat surprised you sold your Yamamoto given how much you enjoyed it. Any way good luck with your next DAC project, keep us posted on your progress.

charles1dad

Yes, I found the upgrades to be significantly better than stock unit. I have a DIY dac am working on right now that comes somewhat close to the Yamamoto, but really not as good.... yet. Also, I will soon sample a DHT dac that I will do additional mods on.

I have not heard a better dac then your new Yamamoto Larry!
We will see what the future holds.

grannyring

Owner
Charles,

Here are the mods that Bill performed to the Yamamoto DAC prior to him selling it to me.

1) Output caps were upgraded from $5 caps that sounded good to Jupiter copper foil in wax caps that sound fantastic. Big improvement in realism, air, fine details, resolution and overall musicality. They cost $105 each for a total of $210.

2) Upgraded the fuse to an outstanding Synergistic Research Red Quantum fuse that cost $90. Very nice jump in overall performance.

3) Upgraded the input and output RCA jacks that had tarnished and were of average quality to Cardas at a cost of $50.

4) Upgraded the input wires and output wires to Western Electric NOS 16 gauge wire that is simply outstanding sounding.

Finally, he added some vibration damping material in key places like underneath the chassis and under the top cover.

lak

Thanks Lak. Did your modifications include the Jupiter copper foil capacitors? To describe an audio component as "natural sounding" is high praise and this isn't an easy accomplishment. In the current High End lexicon, I prefer natural rather than what's described as accurate. Presently these two terms result in different types of sound character. If component A is said to be natural and component B is accurate, I'll choose A.
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
Charles,
After having so time to listen and put several hours onto the modded Yamamoto DAC this is what I've noticed:
The modded Yamamoto DAC is definitely a step or two above my factory supplied Yamamoto DAC. I totally agree with you, the factory supplied version sounds very good and I love the natural sound of the music.
The modded unit is more dynamic, with better sound stage, bass slam and noticeable micro details. I agree with Bill; "finer details, resolution and overall musicality."
I have the factory supplied Yamamoto DAC in my second system. I doubt if I'll spend the money and time to mod it (other then perhaps adding a Synergistic Research Red Quantum fuse), because of its outstanding naturalness when it comes to music.

lak

Hi Lak,
I look forward to reading your comparison of the two DACs. I placed Duelund CAST capacitors and a SR Quantum fuse in my Yamamoto. The effort was worthwhile, however the completely stock Yamamoto is excellent and natural sounding. The changes I made take it up a notch but isn't a night/day improvement. Probably because the stock DAC is so well implemented in the first place.
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
Hi Charles,
Thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it.
I'll be moving the original (new) Yamamoto DAC into this system and when Mr. FedEx arrives today I'll be putting the highly modified Yamamoto DAC (thanks Bill) into my main system. I'm very interested in hearing the difference between the two DAC's.
;-)

lak

Hi Lak,
You've obviously have put considerable time, thought and effort into your audio system. I imagine that it sounds fabulous! I'm glad to see you bought the Yamamoto DAC and that you're very pleased with it.
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
System edited: Updated the system according to a few changes I made
regarding power cords.

lak

Owner
System edited: Added the Square D Surge Protector HEPD80 picture and description to the second system.

lak

Owner
System edited: System edited: I added an Audiodharma Cable Cooker Anniversary Edition 3.5 CCGR (purchased from Alan at Audio Excellence AZ) as an over all tweak. I've really noticed break-in improvement of various interconnects, speaker cables and power cords that I've auditioned, or own. I'm happy with my purchase.

lak

Thanks for the link Larry! Enjoy the tunes!

jmcgrogan2

Owner
Hi John, You are correct, 200 lb each and 91 dB. I need to increase the volume a little more but I'm still at less then 50% volume.
One of these days I need to put the EPX's into my other system in place of my Magnepan 1.6's.
FYI: I have not as of yet seen an Allnic T-1500 on the used market, might have a better chance finding one in Canada or through http://hammertoneaudio.com/home

lak

Montana EPX? Good speakers for the workout room, what do they weigh? About 200 pounds each? That's a workout! LOL!
I see they are less sensitive than the DB-99's, at 91 dB they are more in line with what I am using.

I may have to keep an eye out for a used Allnic T-1500. Thanks Larry. It looks like retirement is keeping you busy! LOL!

jmcgrogan2

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